SEATTLE - The Class Day Regatta is the first time many Husky rowers will compete as collegiate rowers. Class Day has become a tradition for the Huskies as an introduction to top-level competition, a way to come together as a class and as a team. After months of committing to the hard work, training and preparation, it all comes together in the pride of representing your class and wearing the W on Class Day.

Class Day is about the little memories that are made. Having your shirts on, sitting in your class boat, joining the Varsity Boat Club, painting the cut; are the things that make Class Day special. Those are the moments when a group of rowers and coxswains come together to make a team.

These traditions go back to the beginning. The first year the Husky women competed in the Class Day Regatta with the men was 1976. There were barely enough racers to make four class teams but there was enough spirit to overflow the boats.

Husky alum BJ Connolly says by 1976: "We had been through the program. It was cool to get to be a part of all the regattas and to get recognized as Huskies. There were times when we didn't realize that we were making history. It holds a special place in my heart to know that I was at the beginning. It's great to watch the program over the years and see how the Huskies have grown."

Many Husky oarsmen and oarswomen have never competed in any regatta before they joined Washington Rowing. They come in as novice (first-year) rowers, learn how to row during the winter, and begin competing in the spring.

Their first race ever is the Class Day Regatta, making it a very special experience for novice rowers to get to row with the white oars of Washington at the Montlake Cut, their home course.

"Make sure you cherish and enjoy being on the novice team because of course it is only a one year sort of deal and it goes by too fast," advises Husky sophomore Margaret Dobrowolski."

Be sure to put March 24th down on your calendar to not miss the history and tradition that is the Washington Rowing Class Day Regatta. The race will be held at the Montlake Cut which is right off on the University of Washington campus. With the race quickly approaching the excitement is building between the Husky classes.

"[The Class Day Regatta is] going to be really close, which will make for a great race. We have a really strong freshman class we just need the opportunity to show what we can do," says Husky freshman Natalie Harshman

If you can't make it into the race check us out on GoHuskies.com and huskycrew.org and follow us on Twitter @UWHuskyCrew and @CoachBullis for results and team updates.